Officials voted to remove two Russian poplar trees located on city property near the United Pentacostal Church House of Prayer that risked damage to surrounding property.

“They’re way higher than the roof of the church now,” Ward 8 Coun. Ted Zurakowski said. “In fact, if they fall down, they’re going to damage the houses next door across the avenue. Poplars, of course, are built in such a way that they will come down very easily in a windstorm.”

Mayor Jim Scarrow supported the motion, but moved that the city also replace the removed trees with older ones.

During a discussion on parking meters, Zurakowski suggested modifying handicapped parking spaces to allow users no less than two hours of parking time. Officials recommended submitting the idea formally.

Regarding a report from the communications manager on a strategic plan followup item, Councilor Zurakowski argued that the question, “Where do you get your news?” should add the option of “other” to the list of available answers. The motion carried as written.